Struggling as a Villain

Chapter 64: Chapter 63- Get out!

Amelia Hawkbridge is a named character. She played the supporting role in the novel and was someone who shared a close bond with Ethan...but just as a friend.

Amelia possesses some rare skills and very blunt behaviour. She performs well as a scout and someone who would be beneficial for Ethan in his journey.

At some point, Amelia realises her feelings for Ethan, but the person who always remained direct with her feelings and never hesitated from sharing her thoughts, never found the courage to tell him about her feelings.

A losing heroine, to be precise.

And currently that losing heroine was sharing the carriage with Richard. Canonically, Richard's engagement was annulled while he was in the academy and after the annulment, Richard died not so long after. So it is understandable why this sudden plot shift occurred.

Now that Richard was single, who could be a better fiancé for Amelia other than the heir of Scarlette's house?

"Have you bought books for the academy?" It was getting a little awkward being stared at, so Richard initiated a conversation.

Amelia has a pair of big, warm yellow eyes that seem to be piercing through his bones and staring at his soul.

Her expression didn't change nor did she bother to remove her eyes before responding, "I have done all the preparation. Thanks for asking, Sir Richard."

'So stiff...' Richard muttered under his breath.

Looking back at her, he asked, "So....did you not show any resistance to this engagement?"

"Everyone has to get married one day. I do not possess any romantic feelings for anyone so marrying you doesn't make me displeased."

"But it can make me." Richard's response was met by a brief silence before Amelia again spoke up,

"I can cook good food. I know sewing and household work. I know childcare and will take care of your mother. And don't worry, I am still a virgi-"

"Wait, wait! Why are you telling me all this?" Richard stopped her before she could get into more inner details.

Amelia blinked, and for the first time after she entered the carriage, she showed some emotion. She was confused.

"I mean, doesn't a lord always desire these things from their wife? My nanny told me to share these qualities to get approved."

Richard heaved a sigh. How can he forget that he was in a world where a woman's duty was only limited within the household unless they were talented and strong enough to fight for their right? And that could only happen if they are awakened.

Even after that, many women were forced by their families to get married after a certain age and take care of their lord.

Richard leaned forward and rested his arms on his knees. Looking at her with an upturned gaze he said, "I don't quite follow the customs, Miss Amelia. I don't desire a wife who can manage my house and take care of my child. If I really wanted those things from a woman, then I can hire more maids."

"Then...what do you desire, Sir Richard?"

Richard raised his brows, slightly surprised that she was curious. Was this really curiosity or her desperation to grant her mother, her last wih? Richard leaned on the second one.

Bending back, he shrugged, "Maybe someone who can understand me and walk side by side with me. I don't want a slave, Miss Amelia, rather, I desire a life partner."

Amelia didn't say anything after that for a long time.

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Finding the bookstore wasn't that tough of work for Richard. He just followed the lanes and ended up in the one which was more focused on the scholar's preference.

The biggest bookstore in the lane belonged to the one from whom Richard had to buy books. The Wisdom Cave.

*Tring*

Entering inside, he released her hand, only to hear from the inside,

"Go away! Can't you see the signboard?! It's lunchtime."

Richard blinked in surprise hearing that squeaky voice which belonged to a male. He still stepped inside and said, "Excuse me but I need to return early so-"

Suddenly, he had to duck as a book came flying in his direction. Amelia also barely dodged since Richard was standing in front of her.

He turned to look at her before asking, "Are you all right?"

Getting Amelia's nod, Richard turned towards the counter with a frown. For a moment, he felt like burning down the whole store. But he stopped, considering that the store owner might be his mother's friend.

"Let's go, Amelia." He held her hand and led her out of the store. Amelia soundlessly nodded, finding this whole situation a little absurd and feeling bad for Richard.

Just outside the store, they met a man who was about to open the store door, "Ah....Master Richard?"

Strangely the middle-aged man with a sunny smile recognised Richard even though his head was covered.

"Yes? And you?"

The man removed his short hat before greeting, "Pleased to meet you, Master Richard. I am Gerald, the owner of this small shop behind you."

Richard raised his brows before asking, "If....you are the owner then who just threw me out of the store like they own the place?"

Gerald's eyes widened then it narrowed in a glare. He rolled his sleeve before excusing himself,

"Give me a moment, Master. I think I need to first remove some garbage from the store."

Richard nodded before stepping aside and letting the man enter.

Seeing that smirk on his face, Amelia couldn't help but utter under her breath,

'Maybe not all the rumours were untrue.' Yet she couldn't bring herself to dislike him.

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A/N:- Too tame. Richard is used to possessiveness.

Drop some PS. Do it!